The #10 blade is commonly used for large, straight incisions. It is held like a violin bow, allowing the most efficient use of largest cutting surface of the blade. This also allows the surgeon to modulate the depth of incision by feel as well as by vision. Finally, this grasp encourages straight incisions, as the arm moves as a unit from the shoulder.
When making a skin incision, it is best to use one smooth stroke, rather than multiple small strokes, causing less trauma to the tissue. The scalpel should be perpendicular to the skin and equal tension should be applied to both edges of the skin to prevent beveling of the skin edges.
